A Darn Good Cup of Jo

Attention coffee lovers: There's a new coffee press on the block.

I've tried several methods of non-electric coffee brewing: the two-chambered stove-top espresso maker that was the norm in Spain, french press, and the overnight cold brew for iced coffee. We've relied on french press since we decided to keep it simple and return the electric coffee maker we received as a wedding gift for cash. But lately I've grown weary of the bitter, almost muddy taste of french press as well the process of making it in the morning (clean-up being the biggest hassle).

Last weekend at the Homewood Farmers Market I consulted our farmers market neighbor and new friend, Woody, of FinerGrind Coffee Roasters. He told me about a couple different methods that he uses: the Clever Coffee Dripper, which is a pour over system, and the Aeropress. He made some pretty lofty claims about the Aeropress, something along the lines of "the best cup of coffee I've ever had" and offered us a deal that included a bag of his fresh-roasted artisan coffee, so we went for it.

Friends, we have not been disappointed. Using the press you can make a single up to a quadruple shot of pure, espresso gold in about 1 minute. Most mornings we add hot water to make an americano, but if we're feeling fancy we'll add frothed hot milk (perfect use for the old french press) for a latte.  The flavor is really up there with the most pure I've ever tasted. There is very little bitterness, so you can really taste the unique notes of the coffee you brew. And, clean-up is super simple, which is no small bonus on a busy morning.

And there you have it. A darn good cup of jo. Mornings just got that much better.

Contrasting ways to begin a day:

(from flickr user: minkoff)

Option one: Sleep too late, whining about how you don't want to go to work during the intervals in which you are hitting the snooze button. Throw something frumpy on because it's "comfortable" after rushing through a shower and failing to dry your hair. Eat breakfast in the car. Arrive to dreaded work late, tired, and bitter. Avoid talking to people, but when you must, be sure to mention to them just how tired and bitter you are.

Option two: Awake early, but not too early. Make yourself a breakfast delightful to the eyes and palate, which consequently reminds you of Spain, of toasted homemade bread, butter, and plum jam accompanied by french pressed coffee. Read Acts as you chip away at the block of reading you have fallen behind in by too often choosing option one. Take a shower, shave your legs, dry your hair, and wear a skirt. Arrive at work on time, and cheerfully greet your coworkers as you make your way to your cubicle, coffee from home in hand.

Today I chose option two. 

Things to do with an unexpected day (or two) off.

I arrived at work yesterday morning (after a morning of seriously not wanting to get out of bed and leave Keith behind on his unexpected day off) to see the parking lot completely empty and Ronny, the guy who takes care of everything, holding a sign up to the door saying that the building is closed due to a water main break. So far, it's still not fixed, and i'm still not at work. what a shame. How do I spend an expected day off?

1. Get my new Social Security card, as Elaine MacCorkle Davis. (This was a hard decision because i love my middle name, Faith. But there is so much history in a last name, especially one like MacCorkle, and i wanted to be sure it lives on.) Keith made friends with a kind old man from New York while he was waiting for me. Last time we went to the social security office, he made friends with a couple african dudes. I have such a friendly husband.
   
2. Spend hours in Urban Standard sipping a macchiato that is the closest thing i've found this side of the Atlantic to the cafe con leche i enjoyed so much in Espana.
3. Then have our friend Pat come meet us for lunch at Urban Standard. Enjoy a delectable standard chicken panino with chicken, smoked guda, caramelized onions, and balsamic glaze.
4. Go home and nap and sing and play guitar with Keith. Attempt a walk, but give up when it is too hot to breathe.
5. (day two) Watch the Bachelorette and an episode of House, managing both without having a single channel on our TV.
6. Work on a secret project for Keith. Shhhh.
7. Talk to one of your best friends from Spain on Skype for the first time in ages, and find out that he "has decided to follow Jesus." !!!! WHOO!

I dont think I'd make it for long as a stay-at-home wife, although, sometimes I wish I could. But these unexpected days off have not gone by unappreciated. Now I'm off to read a book.